What is MDCAT? A Complete Guide for Beginners (2025 Edition)
If you’re a student in Pakistan dreaming of becoming a doctor, MDCAT is your first big mountain to climb. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re in FSc, O/A Levels, or thinking of repeating, this guide explains everything you need to know about MDCAT 2025 in simple words.
What is MDCAT?
MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam in Pakistan, mandatory for getting admission into:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
The test is conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and is required for both public and private sector colleges, including dental colleges.
Who Conducts MDCAT?
As of 2025, PMDC will conduct MDCAT for all provinces except for NUMS-affiliated colleges and AKU (Aga Khan University), which use separate tests.
MDCAT: For most medical/dental colleges
NUMS test: For Army Medical Colleges
AKU test: For Aga Khan only
MDCAT 2025 Syllabus & Format
Subjects Covered:
Biology: 68 MCQs
Chemistry: 54 MCQs
Physics: 54 MCQs
English: 18 MCQs
Logical Reasoning: 6 MCQs
Other details:
Total MCQs: 200
Time: 3.5 hours
No Negative Marking
Minimum Passing Criteria: Usually 55% for MBBS & 50% for BDS (may vary)
Download the syllabus PDF from the PMDC website or platforms like Mentr (formerly InSight MDCAT).
Who Can Apply for MDCAT?
Applicants must have:
Passed or be appearing in FSc Pre-Medical / A-Level with Biology
A minimum of 60% marks in FSc or equivalent
MDCAT is also required for quota or overseas seat applicants.
When & How to Register?
Registration usually opens around May/June. The process includes:
Filling out the online registration form
Uploading necessary documents
Paying the fee through a bank challan
Keep an eye on PMDC’s official site or Mentr’s updates for guidance.
Who Can Apply for MDCAT?
Registration usually opens around May/June. The process includes:
Filling out the online registration form
Uploading necessary documents
Paying the fee through a bank challan
Keep an eye on PMDC’s official site or Mentr’s updates for guidance.
Why is MDCAT So Important?
Without MDCAT, becoming a doctor in Pakistan isn’t possible. It:
Is mandatory regardless of your FSc result
Heavily influences your aggregate calculation (with FSc and Matric scores)
Determines your merit number, which is crucial for college admission
Is MDCAT Tough?
Yes—if you approach it with the wrong method. Success in MDCAT depends on:
Concept Clarity
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Speed & Accuracy
Platforms like Mentr focus on effective techniques rather than rote learning.
How to Start MDCAT Preparation as a Beginner?
Step-by-step guide:
Download the syllabus PDF
Begin studying with PMC-approved books
Join a structured platform like Mentr offering:
- Recorded lectures
- Daily tests
- Doubt solving
- One-on-one mentorship
- Free online practice testsAim for a target of 190+ (don’t just settle for passing)
Practice past papers (with downloadable PDF answers)
Take full-length practice tests weekly
Should I Join a Coaching Academy?
Yes—if you choose the right one. Consider:
Physical Academies: May have fixed schedules, large batch sizes, and limited personal focus.
Mentr: Offers online coaching with recorded lectures, flexible home learning, personalized mentorship, and affordable fees with high value.
MDCAT vs NUMS – Which One is Harder?
While both are challenging:
MDCAT: More application-based
NUMS: Requires more factual memory and logical reasoning
Most students prepare for both concurrently using separate or combined strategies.
Final Words
If MDCAT feels overwhelming, remember:
“You don’t have to be great to start. You just have to start to be great.”
Take the first step:
Download the syllabus
Create a study plan
Join a dedicated platform like Mentr
This one test can change your life.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
in thousands of students starting MDCAT 2025 with Mentr—Pakistan’s most trusted MDCAT platform.
Structured Syllabus
Free Resources
Mentorship by Toppers
Flexible LMS & Testing
Full Support until Exam Day
Visit: mentr.pk (formerly InSight MDCAT)
